Planning commission recommends adoption of Beaufort Civic Master Plan

A proposed 100-year plan guiding the city of Beaufort's growth is finally headed to City Council.

The Beaufort/Port Royal Metropolitan Planning Commission recommended approving the Civic Master Plan on Monday night, after discussing it during two meetings and one work session. Commissioner Alice Howard was the sole dissenter in a 4-to-1 vote, with chairman Joe DeVito absent. The plan outlines development of vacant and important properties, road and transportation changes, access to water, stormwater needs, parks and areas targeted for economic development.

All members then voted for a formal resolution supporting the plan, which city planner Libby Anderson said had to be voted on for legal reasons.

Help us deliver journalism that makes a difference in our community.

"We find it insulting for the consultant (Craig Lewis, with the city's Office of Civic Investment) to assume he has the power to reject unilaterally our well-intentioned, well-researched suggestions," she said.

Commissioner Robert Semmler said the plan is strong but flexible.

"I think this document gives us a fantastic AAA road map," he said. "But that doesn't mean we can't deviate from the plan."

The Redevelopment Commission has recommended the plan. City Council has held off on a required public hearing and two votes until the planning commission's vote.

In other business, the commission:

Tabled a recommendation to rezone one or more properties at the corner of Charles and Craven streets to allow more retail options. The rezoning is spurred by a request for 1005 Craven St.

Tabled a recommendation on changes to Port Royal's zoning code to comply with the proposed form-based code.